Final KM: Volta a Catalunya St 7, Gent-Wevelgems x 7

Busy with attacks and busy with podiums, Volta a Catalunya and Gent-Wevelgem left us breathless.

Volta a Catalunya Stage 7: Barcelona to Barcelona, 138.7km

Wowie a harum-scarum finale saw Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) kick to victory just as his breakaway attempt was caught metres from the line. Jarlinson Pantano (Trek-SegaFredo) and FDJ’s Arthur Vichot placed second and third respectively. Valverde nabbed the King of the Mountain jersey and finished on the top step of the podium holding +1:03mins on Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) with Movistar team mate and best young rider Marc Soler at+ 1:16. Pierre Rolland (Cannondale -Drapac) took the points jersey (I’m not quite sure how). I’ll leave it to you to work out who was best team overall (clue the kit features a lime green wiggle)

Men’s Gent-Wevelgem: Deinze to Wevelgem, 249km

Greg Van Avermaet emerged victorious from a nerve-jangling chase in the final kilometres. The Olympic champion took a two up sprint against Orica-Scott’s Jens Keukeleire with a disgruntled Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) just pipping the rampaging peloton to third.

Highlights…

Winner! and how brilliant to hear from Michael Schaar, a trusted lieutenant out with injury

Women’s Gent-Wevelgem: Ieper to Wevelgem, 146km

Lotta Lepisto (Cervelo-Bigla) backed up her win at Dwars Door Vlaanderen on Wednesday by taking taking the top step of the podium here. The Finnish champion was swiftest in the sprint, outkicking Wiggle High5’s Jolien D’Hoore and Coryn Rivera (Sunweb).

Gent-Wevelgem – 7 races in one day

It’s not just the elite men and women who race through Flanders fields. The race organisers hold seven races in total and one of the nicest touches is that all the winners are brought together for one final podium at the end.